Call for Submissions (Edmonton): Mainstage Emerging Artist Mentorship Program – Citadel Theatre, Theater News

The Citadel Theatre is excited to announce a call for submissions for our Mainstage Emerging Artist Mentorship Program, thanks to the incredible support of the RBC Foundation. This professional development program has been developed to support artists as they develop their skills, particularly in large scale Mainstage work. 

 THE PROGRAM
With the support of the RBC Foundation, Citadel Theatre offers a training program to support emerging and early career artists that have not been able to see themselves in these artistic creation roles at one of Canada’s largest theatre companies. While the application is open to anyone who identifies as an Emerging Artist in their practice, we will prioritize under-represented communities such as BIPOC, D/deaf, D/disabled, MAD and LGBTQ2S+ artists. We want to eliminate barriers by giving five Edmonton-based artists direct access to our creation spaces and team of professionals, and to help them make contacts within our industry in their chosen practice. The program is supported by the Citadel’s Producer, Bridget Norris-Jones and Artistic Director, Daryl Cloran.

This year we will specifically place five mentees in the roles of Assistant Director, Assistant Designer, Assistant Choreographer and Assistant Music Director for our Mainstage Productions of Annie and Sense and Sensibility. Please refer to the additional information on each production and the corresponding mentorship opportunities: https://citadeltheatre.com/artists/artist-programs-mentorship/mainstage-emerging-artists-mentorship-program/call-for-submissions/

Opportunities will include:
– 1-on-1 mentorship with a professional mentor on a large-scale production
– Participation in pre-rehearsal meetings and planning (design/production meetings, etc.)
– Observing/Participating in rehearsals, technical rehearsals and previews
– Overseeing the rehearsal and preparation of understudies and youth performers (as applicable)
– Tours of the Citadel facilities and conversations with Citadel staff throughout the season
– Invitations to opening nights
– Artist profile on the Citadel Theatre website with amplification on our social media feeds

Participants will also receive:
– A $4000 honorarium
– An artist profile on The Citadel Theatre website with amplification on our social media feeds.
– Support for access needs they may require.

APPLICATIONS
We invite applications from artists who would like to explore and build their professional skills in their specific artistic discipline. We are looking for applicants who are based in Edmonton, and who have experience working on multiple full-length plays or musicals, have demonstrated skill in their specific discipline and who are looking to build even more sophisticated tools. Students who are currently enrolled in and attending High School or Post Secondary programs are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be available during daytime hours Tuesday to Sunday.

Previous participants in the Emerging Artist or Assistant Director programs are welcome to apply again but should identify what new skills they hope to acquire from this assistantship and why this opportunity will be different from the past one.

As one of the largest cultural organizations in Alberta, Citadel Theatre commits to dismantling the systemic racism in Canadian theatre practice. This includes making space for those that have not been given the opportunity to create and thrive in rehearsal halls and theatres across the country. We also strive to provide an opportunity for emerging, early career and even established artists to make the leap from smaller independent projects to learning the skills required to lead large productions at a regional theatre.

Submissions should be a maximum of four pages, and should include:
– A biography or resumé
– A letter outlining:
1. Which position the applicant would like to be considered for and why
2. Practical skills the applicant hopes to learn, build upon and augment during the production (keep in mind each opportunity is unique)
3. Areas and topics that the applicant hopes to build knowledge in from mentorship
4. Skills the applicant can bring to the production
5. Why this program is a good fit for you at this point in your career
6. A rough schedule/sense of the applicant’s availability

EQUITY DIVERSITY INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY
We wish to acknowledge that the land on which we live and work is Treaty No. 6 territory and a traditional meeting ground and home of the First Nations, including both the treaty signatories – Cree, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stony and Cree-Iroquois – as well as other Indigenous peoples, such as the Blackfoot and Métis, who occupied this land. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live, create and perform on this territory.

The Citadel Theatre is in the heart of amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton, AB), and we are proud to call Treaty 6 Territory home. As a regional theatre, it is integral that we ensure that the stories we tell, as well as the composition of our artists, board, staff, students and audience are reflective of the diverse lived experiences in this dynamic city.

We strongly encourage submissions from artists who self-identify as members of under-represented communities. If there are barriers (language, disability or any other consideration) about the process preventing you from submitting, please let us know and we will work with you to overcome them.

For more on Citadel Theatre’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility work, including our 35//50 commitment, statements of support, annual diversity reports, CAEA Declared Actions Regarding Anti-Oppression and Inclusion, and other information, please visit our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility page at the link below.

Please email Producer Bridget Norris-Jones, [email protected], with any questions.

SAFE WORKPLACE CULTURE
Citadel Theatre commits to providing a welcoming and safe experience for all artists, including clear workplace harassment policies. In situations where cultural safety and knowledge is needed as part of facilitating conversation, Citadel commits to working with third-party affinity counsel.  

SUBMISSION
Citadel Theatre is accepting submissions for the Mainstage Emerging Artist Mentorship Program until Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Please submit a maximum of four pages (PDF format) to: [email protected], Subject: Mainstage Emerging Artist Mentorship Program.

SELECTION
Artists will be selected by a panel of Citadel Theatre staff, including:
– Daryl Cloran, Artistic Director
– Bridget Norris-Jones, Producer
– Mieko Ouchi, Associate Artistic Director
– In consultation with each of the Mentors (Directors, Choreographer, Music Director, Designers)

All applicants will be informed of results via email no later than Wednesday September 30, 2026.